14 WAITAKI HERALD, JANUARY 21, 2015 ADVERTISING FEATURE 6501356AA Palmerston News Rob and Clare Wellington to take over the Goodwood Kennel and Cattery south of Palmerston. Both teachers at an international Dog care a naturalfor pet moteliers A love of animals and a desire to settle in New Zealand led former Hong Kong residents school, the couple and their three rescued dogs had a happy life in the busy city of Hong Kong but decided it was time for a change, the chance to run their own business and to put down roots in their home country. Now their days are filled with getting to know their charges, and Clare says her career as a primary school teacher is standing her in good stead with her relationship with animals. The kennel has always concentrated on providing more than just a boarding place for the pets that stay there, and both Clare and Rob are keen to continue this. On the property there is a huge, fenced exercise area for dogs to run and they are taken there at least once a day to get rid of some of their excess energy. Owners generally stipulate whether they want their dogs kept on their own or with others and if this is the case, Clare monitors them carefully. Dogs at the kennels all have access to the outdoors with cosy kennels to sleep in at night. Understanding what makes dogs tick and how to control them is something that comes naturally to the couple, though Clare credits her habit of watching Mexican American dog psychologist Cesar Milan on television with giving her the confidence to deal with dogs of all types. ‘‘I used to watch it for fun – but I didn’t realise dogs would be my life one day,’’ she said. Cats are also boarded at the kennels and they have a large, covered exercise area with space to climb and an assortment of huts to sleep in. So far, life has been pretty hectic for the pair, who took over the kennels just before the Christmas rush arrived, but they are already planning for the future. Dog owners themselves, they have found it difficult in the past to find somewhere safe to exercise their pets when they are travelling around the country and hope to Animal lovers: Clare and Rob Wellington get ready to take two of their guests out for some exercise. offer their exercise area to other travellers. They are also keen on using as many organic and natural products as possible in their day-to-day management, planting an orchard and vegetable garden and becoming part of the community. ‘‘And really, organising dogs is a lot like organising a school class – dogs and kids have a lot in common,’’ Clare said. Charges at the kennels are $16 a day for dogs, $10 a day for cats with preferred pickup and drop-off times from 8am to 11am and from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. For outside these hours, arrangements can be made in advance. To find out more about the kennels and cattery, check out the website www.goodwoodkennelsandcattery.nz Puketapu Hill One of the most frequently asked questions from visitors to Palmerston is what the monument on top of Puketapu Hill is there for. This hill dominates the town and it is a pretty daunting climb to the top to get a close-up view. The monument was put up in 1929 to commemorate Sir John McKenzie, an early locally based politician and minister for lands who lobbied for the breakup of the huge, privately owned runs the area was formerly divided into, allowing new immigrants to buy smaller tracts of land for farming. If you do make the trek to the top of Puketapu Hill, be prepared for a steep climb on a not particularly well marked track and take your camera. The views are stunning and you can see out to sea and far inland in every direction, something World Aren’twe cute? Two tiny terriers staying at the Goodwood Kennels and Cattery. War II constable Bert Kelly took advantage of regularly to scan for approaching warships of potential invasion. His regular run is remembered annually at Kelly’s Canter, a race to the top and back again with runners and walkers of all ages taking part. Happy boarders: Clare Wellington plays with some of the boarders staying at the kennels while their owners are on holiday. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Coffee Meals Takeaways Pizza 8am-5pm Monday-Wednesday 8am-9pm Thursday-Sunday 32 Sanday Street, Palmerson 9430 Phone:03 465 1191 6501387AA Under new Management Under new Management